Insurance firm Quinn Direct has confirmed today it will create almost 1,000 jobs in Cavan and Meath as it continues to expand into overseas markets.
The majority of the new jobs will be created in Navan, Co Meath, where Quinn Direct will open a centre employing around 700 staff. The new positions will be in insurance sales, claims administration and customer service to support the group's growing business in Britain and Europe.
The remaining expansion will be split between Co Cavan and Blanchardstown, Co Dublin. The expansion will bring Quinn Direct's workforce close to 2,500.
Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin said today: "Quinn-Direct is an excellent example of how an ambitious Irish financial services company can grow and internationalise, and Enterprise Ireland will continue to work closely with the company."
Quinn Direct is the third-biggest insurer in the Republic, with 420,000 customers. It announced first-half profits €123 million this year, up 38 per cent on 2005.
Chief executive of Enterprise Ireland Frank Ryan described the expansion as a "major project for Navan and the Quinn Group," adding that the internationalisation of Irish business is of "paramount importance" to the future success of the Irish economy.
Founded by Fermanagh-based entrepeneur Seán Quinn, Quinn Direct employs more than 600 people in Cavan and more than 400 in Blanchardstown and Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh. Publicity-shy Mr Quinn did not turn up at today's jobs announcement in Navan. He set up the company 10 years, disallusioned with the high cost of insurance in the State.
The company's general manager Colin Morgan said the firm was excited about the opportunities for its overseas business, especially in the UK.
"The new jobs created will be across many disciplines including insurance sales, claims administration and customer service and will service Quinn-Direct's UK and European customer base," he said in a statement.